EnvironmentSacramento County juggles dueling concerns in final draft of climate action planMarch 24, 2022 | Manola SecairaWith its sights set on carbon neutrality by 2030, the county is attempting to balance concerns over cost with whether its actions are aggressive enough.
EnvironmentState unveils long-awaited standard for drinking water contaminantMarch 22, 2022California’s proposed limit for hexavalent chromium — the first in the nation — would raise water rates in many cities. The contaminant, linked to cancer, was made infamous by Erin Brockovich.
EnvironmentGetting healthy, nutritious foods to California students isn’t easy. First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom is making it her priority issue.March 21, 2022 | Janelle Salanga | Manola SecairaThe state is working to track progress on efforts to serve students healthier food, and a new “farm-to-school road map for success” report is putting the spotlight on youth food insecurity and literacy. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Interview: Where Sacramento stands on California's new food waste recycling programMarch 15, 2022 | Randol WhiteErin Treadwell spoke with us about a yet-to-be fully implemented California law that requires all residents and businesses to separate food waste from other trash. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentCalifornians used more water as state braces for another dry yearMarch 15, 2022New data from urban areas suggests that people are ignoring the governor’s pleas for voluntary conservation during the drought. Some experts say it’s time for Newsom to issue a mandatory order. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentUC Davis researchers are using ultrasounds to help endangered abalone spawnMarch 15, 2022 | Steve MilneUltrasounds can be used to quickly detect when abalone are ready to spawn. The species is near extinction, and scientists at the UC Davis Marine Laboratory hope the old medical tool can help turn that around. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentCalifornia’s energy future hinges on lithium, from solar panels to batteries. Here’s what we know.March 10, 2022 | Manola SecairaPresident Joe Biden and Governor Gavin Newsom recently spoke about harvesting lithium in Southern California, where some of the most abundant sources of the mineral can be found.
EnvironmentIn the face of natural disasters, amateur radio groups fill communications void in rural CaliforniaMarch 10, 2022 | Scott RoddAs California spends big on high-tech disaster solutions, rural communities are embracing the century-old technology of two-way radios as a failsafe. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentRiver Fire human caused, Cal Fire officials sayMarch 7, 2022 | Chris HaganThe River Fire destroyed 142 buildings and burned 2,619 acres in Placer and Nevada counties in August of 2021. While Cal Fire says the fire was human caused, there's no evidence of "malicious intent or criminal activity."
EnvironmentCaltrans reopens Highway 50 after blowing up a cabin-sized boulderMarch 4, 2022 | Megan ManataThe highway is back open in both directions after crews blew up the boulder that fell on Highway 50 near Echo Summit, but a forecasted snowstorm may still slow traffic.